Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Tour with Lunch

Planning a trip to Palawan? This Honda Bay island hopping experience offers a fantastic way to see some of the most beloved spots in Puerto Princesa without breaking the bank. With a blend of white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and relaxing watersports, it promises a full day of sun, sea, and stunning scenery.

What we love about this tour: It’s all about convenient, hassle-free exploration — from hotel pickup to a guided tour that covers the highlights. The opportunity to snorkel among vibrant marine life, relax on picture-perfect beaches, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch makes it a well-rounded day. Plus, the reasonable price of around $40 offers solid value for such an immersive experience.

One thing to consider: The tour can be quite popular, meaning you might find the boat rides and spots crowded during peak times. Also, entrance fees and snorkeling gear are not included, so some extra budget and planning are wise.

Best suited for: Travelers looking for a relaxed but active day in Palawan, those eager to see multiple islands, or families wanting safe waters and beautiful beaches. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a taste of Honda Bay’s charms.

Good To Know

• All-inclusive convenience: Hotel pickup, guide, entrance fees, and lunch are covered.
• Multiple stops: Visit Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island for diverse experiences.
• Water activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, and banana boat rides for adventurous spirits.
• Authentic marine encounters: See colorful coral reefs and hundreds of starfish.
• Relaxation and scenery: White sandy beaches and calm waters provide plenty of chill-out moments.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Honda Bay Tour

How the Day Starts: Convenient Pickup and Friendly Guides

The experience begins with a hotel pickup within Puerto Princesa, which instantly sets a relaxed tone. The tour is operated by BIZ IT Travel and Tours, known for professional service and knowledgeable guides. Once at the Honda Bay wharf, you’ll meet your friendly English-speaking guide—this is where the details really start to shine. Guests consistently mention how guides like Mark or the crew make the trip more engaging, sharing interesting facts about the islands and marine life.

The Journey by Boat: Comfort and Scenic Views

A motorized boat takes you from the wharf to the first stop, Luli Island. The boat ride itself lasts around 15-20 minutes, offering glimpses of the surrounding seascape. The vessel’s size is generally suited for small groups, which keeps the ride feeling intimate and manageable, especially compared to larger tour boats. The boat’s stability and speed contribute to a comfortable ride, even for those prone to seasickness—reviewers noted that smooth sailing made the journey more enjoyable.

Luli Island: Play on the Long Sandbar

Luli Island is a highlight, especially for those who love a good beach day. Its long, flag-decorated sandbar attracts visitors eager to walk out or lounge under the sun. The shallow waters make it ideal for wading and taking photos, and the calm waves are perfect for kids and non-swimmers. Reviewers have complimented how the sandbar is a fantastic spot to relax, take selfies, or simply enjoy the scenery.

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Cowrie Island: Picnic and Watersports

Next up is Cowrie Island, where the tour provides a picnic lunch that many say hits the spot after a morning of activity. The food is often described as simple but tasty, with enough variety to satisfy different tastes. This island is also where you’ll find an array of water activities. Snorkeling here is especially popular, with vibrant coral reefs just a few meters from the shore, providing colorful underwater gardens.

Some travelers mentioned renting masks and snorkels on-site since these are not included in the package, so bringing cash for extras is wise. The famous review cited seeing numerous fish and coral, confirming the quality of the snorkeling experience. For the adventurous, banana boats and kayaks are available to add a splash of excitement.

Starfish Island: The Star of Marine Life

The final stop, Starfish Island, is often the tour’s best-kept secret. Here, you can observe hundreds of starfish just beneath the surface, a unique sight that feels like stepping into an aquarium. Reviewers repeatedly mention how awe-inspiring it is to walk along the shallow waters and see these creatures up close. It’s a chance for plenty of photos and a quiet break before heading back.

Wrap-up and Return: A Relaxed End to a Busy Day

After a few hours exploring, the boat returns to the wharf, and the hotel transfer takes the hassle out of logistics. The overall day typically lasts around 6-8 hours, depending on the group and weather conditions.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Honda Bay Tour

• Bring your own camera and cash, especially for snorkeling gear or souvenirs. The underwater beauty and marine creatures are worth capturing.
• Wear your swimsuit under lightweight clothing, and pack a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best spots on the islands.
• Don’t forget your ID or passport if required for park fees or registration.
• Be prepared for a fair amount of walking and water activities, so comfortable footwear and water shoes are recommended.
• Check the weather forecast—the tour is heavily weather-dependent, and storms can cause delays or cancellations.

What We Think About the Price and Value

At around $40 per person, this tour offers a fair price considering everything included—hotel pickup, a guided boat trip, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch. You’re paying mostly for convenience and the chance to see multiple islands without the hassle of organizing individual transportation. While snorkeling gear and environmental fees aren’t included, bringing your own gear or small cash for rentals keeps costs manageable.

Reviewers like the value for the price, praising the smooth organization and the chance to explore diverse islands in a single day. It’s an experience that balances relaxation with adventure, making every dollar count for travelers wanting to maximize their island-hopping experience without overspending.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This Honda Bay island hopping tour is best suited for travelers craving a laid-back yet engaging day by the sea. It’s ideal if you want an easy, guided experience with a good chance to snorkel, relax on sandy beaches, and see marine wildlife up close. The inclusion of lunch and hotel transfers makes it a convenient option for those staying in Puerto Princesa.

Those who value knowledgeable guides and stunning views will find this tour satisfying. It’s also great for families, couples, or anyone looking to escape the busy city streets for a day of sun and sand. Keep in mind, the tour runs on weather conditions, so flexibility and patience are your friends.

In all, this experience offers an authentic taste of Palawan’s island allure at a very reasonable price. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy Honda Bay’s natural beauty without the fuss of self-organizing or overspending.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Puerto Princesa, a guided boat trip, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch.

Are snorkeling masks provided?
No, masks and snorkels are not included, so you might want to bring your own or rent on-site using cash.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts between 6 to 8 hours, depending on weather and group size.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the shallow waters, calm beaches, and marine life viewing; however, younger kids should be supervised around water activities.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for all travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, cash (for extras), sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel for a comfortable day.

This Honda Bay tour stands out as an accessible, well-organized way to explore Palawan’s waters and islands. If you’re after a day of sun, marine adventure, and beautiful scenery, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Puerto Princesa itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby